TWO CITIES OF NICARAGUA For much of the 19th century, two conflicting political groups contested for power in Nicaragua: the liberals, based in the northwestern city of León, and the conservatives, based in Granada to the south. The country's capital rotated between the two cities, shifting with changes in power, whether by elections or by war. — Published 2003.0305
	ART DECO SOUTH BEACH The historic "art deco" district of South Beach, in Miami, Florida, is arguably one of the most successful urban restoration projects in the history of American architecture. Hundreds of buildings have been restored to their early 20th-century appearance. — Published 2002.1030
	AMSTERDAM GASWORKS REBORN In recent years there has been a growing concern about "brownfield" projects. As these abandoned industrial sites are converted back into productive use, governments and local communities must often work together to mitigate the polluted environment and revitalize the surrounding neighborhoods. In many brownfield projects the property is sold as real estate to be redeveloped. Buildings are torn down and a whole new development constructed, leaving no trace of the site's past. — Published 2001.1010
	HISTORIC HOTELS OF EGYPT One of the fascinating achievements of British influence in many former colonies of the British Empire is that the past has almost been frozen in time. While the British themselves were quick to shed the garments of the Victorian tradition and embrace the modern age, the former colonies, because of either financial difficulties or a sort of nostalgia, have preserved the era. — Published 2001.0905
	ROOFS OF DUBROVNIK Walking on the ramparts of the walled city of Dubrovnik feels like being part of a Renaissance painting. It is so picture-perfect that even George Bernard Shaw's over-quoted observation of Dubrovnik being "paradise on earth" seems like a British understatement. From the viewpoint on the ramparts, the homogeneous architecture of Dubrovnik is distinct; every single building in the old city bears clay roof tiles, red and honey rooftops that glitter in contrast with the turquoise sea. — Published 2001.0718

Steven Allan